5e is fundamentally designed around the assumption that you start with at least a 16 in your primary ability. All origin companions available in the EA reflect this. It has nothing to do with min-maxing.
Not quite true. 2014 5E D&D's baseline playtest characters have a 15 in starting main attribute. Races with handy ASIs are for newer players to help steer them to optimal builds that match popular archetypes. Experienced players then try unusual combinations, like Half-orc bard, which are viable.
This all said, OneD&D has increased baselines across the board. It looks like all characters now baseline at 16/17, and start with an extra modest feat.
